Acts 7:51

KJV

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye stiffnecked {G4644} and {G2532} uncircumcised {G564} in heart {G2588} and {G2532} ears {G3775}, ye {G5210} do {G496} always {G104} resist {G496} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}: as {G5613} your {G5216} fathers {G3962} did, so {G2532} do ye {G5210}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Stiffnecked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You continually oppose the Ruach HaKodesh! You do the same things your fathers did!

Berean Standard Bible

You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.

American Standard Version

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:51 captures Stephen's climactic and confrontational indictment of the Sanhedrin during his defense, immediately preceding his martyrdom. In this verse, Stephen accuses his Jewish audience of spiritual stubbornness, labeling them "stiffnecked" and "uncircumcised in heart and ears," thereby asserting their continuous and active resistance to the Holy Spirit. He draws a direct parallel between their present disobedience and the historical pattern of rebellion demonstrated by their ancestors, culminating his lengthy historical recounting of Israel's repeated rejection of God's messengers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 7:51 serves as the dramatic and abrupt climax of Stephen's lengthy defense speech before the Sanhedrin. Prior to this verse, Stephen meticulously recounts the history of Israel from Abraham through Moses and the prophets, systematically highlighting a recurring pattern: God's faithfulness in sending messengers, and Israel's consistent, often violent, rejection of them. This historical survey builds to a crescendo, demonstrating that the current Jewish leaders are perpetuating this ancient pattern by resisting God's ultimate messenger, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The verse immediately precedes Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God and his subsequent stoning, making it the pivotal turning point from defense to prophetic condemnation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Stephen, one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, was a Hellenistic Jew, accused of blasphemy against Moses, the Law, and the Temple. He stood before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial council, whose members included high priests, elders, and scribes. His accusation of being "stiffnecked" and "uncircumcised in heart and ears" would have resonated deeply with his Jewish audience, as these were well-known Old Testament prophetic idioms (e.g., [Exodus 32:9](/exodus/32-9 "Exodus 32:9 - Stiffnecked People") or [Jeremiah 9:26](/jeremiah/9-26 "Jeremiah 9:26 - Uncircumcised Hearts")) used to describe Israel's spiritual obstinacy and failure to truly obey God's covenant. Physical circumcision was the foundational sign of the covenant, making Stephen's spiritual reinterpretation of it a profound and provocative challenge to their identity and piety.
* **Key Themes:** Stephen's speech, culminating in this verse, powerfully articulates several key themes. One is **Israel's Persistent Rebellion**, which he painstakingly illustrates through historical examples, showing a continuous thread of disobedience from the wilderness generation to his contemporary audience. This echoes the lament found in [Nehemiah 9:26](/nehemiah/9-26 "Nehemiah 9:26 - They Were Disobedient and Rebelled"). Another theme is **The Rejection of God's Messengers**, as Stephen argues that the same pattern of rejecting Joseph, Moses, and the prophets has now culminated in the rejection of Jesus, the Messiah. This highlights a tragic continuity of spiritual blindness. Finally, the verse underscores **The Active Work and Human Resistance to the Holy Spirit**. Stephen's direct accusation that they "always resist the Holy Ghost" emphasizes the Spirit's ongoing presence and activity in guiding God's people and revealing truth, and humanity's capacity to actively oppose divine influence, a concept also seen in [Isaiah 63:10](/isaiah/63-10 "Isaiah 63:10 - They Rebelled and Grieved His Holy Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stiffnecked (Greek, _sklērotráchēlos'_):** This compound word, derived from _sklēros_ (hard) and _trachēlos_ (neck), literally means "hard-necked." It is a direct Septuagintal echo of Old Testament descriptions (e.g., [Exodus 32:9](/exodus/32-9 "Exodus 32:9 - Stiffnecked People")) of Israel's stubbornness. The imagery is that of an ox refusing to submit to the yoke, symbolizing an unyielding, obstinate will that resists divine authority, instruction, and correction.
* **Uncircumcised (Greek, _aperítmētos'_):** This term, combined with "in heart and ears," moves beyond the physical ritual of circumcision to denote a profound spiritual deficiency. While outward circumcision marked covenant membership, Stephen uses "uncircumcised" to accuse his audience of lacking the true, inward transformation God desires. Their "heart" (Greek, _kardía'_), representing their inner being, thoughts, and will, and their "ears" (Greek, _oûs'_), representing their capacity to hear and obey, remained closed, unresponsive, and unyielding to God's truth.
* **Resist (Greek, _antipíptō'_):** Formed from _anti_ (against) and _píptō_ (to fall), this verb means "to fall against," "to oppose," or "to contend with." It signifies an active, deliberate, and often hostile opposition. The continuous tense of "do always resist" emphasizes a habitual and persistent pattern of antagonism towards the Holy Spirit's promptings, guidance, and revelation, rather than a passive or accidental failure to comply.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears":** Stephen launches into a direct and scathing personal indictment of his powerful accusers. By calling them "stiffnecked," he accuses them of having an unyielding, stubborn will, refusing to bend to God's authority or direction, much like an unmanageable animal. The phrase "uncircumcised in heart and ears" is a profound spiritual accusation. Despite their physical circumcision, which marked them as God's covenant people, Stephen declares that their inner being—their affections, intellect, and will (heart)—and their spiritual receptivity (ears) were closed off, unable to truly hear, receive, or obey God's word. This signifies a deep spiritual insensitivity and an unwillingness to be transformed by divine truth.
* **"ye do always resist the Holy Ghost":** This is the core of Stephen's charge. He asserts that their spiritual obstinacy manifests as a continuous, active, and deliberate opposition to the Holy Spirit. This resistance is not merely to Stephen's message, but to the divine power, truth, and guidance that the Spirit has consistently conveyed through God's messengers throughout history, culminating in the ministry of Jesus Christ. The word "always" underscores the chronic, habitual nature of their opposition, indicating a deep-seated pattern of rebellion.
* **"as your fathers [did], so [do] ye":** This concluding phrase draws a damning historical parallel, linking the present generation's actions directly to the persistent pattern of disobedience found throughout Israel's past. Stephen's preceding historical survey (Acts 7:2-50) meticulously detailed how Israel's ancestors repeatedly rejected God's prophets and leaders, from Moses to the prophets. By saying "so do ye," Stephen condemns his audience for perpetuating this tragic legacy of spiritual rebellion, demonstrating that they are no different from the generations they condemn for their unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Stephen's address in Acts 7:51 is a masterclass in prophetic rhetoric, employing several powerful literary devices. The most striking is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrases "stiffnecked" and "uncircumcised in heart and ears." "Stiffnecked" is a vivid metaphor borrowed from animal husbandry, depicting an ox refusing to yield to the yoke, which powerfully symbolizes an unyielding, rebellious will against divine authority. "Uncircumcised in heart and ears" extends the physical concept of circumcision into the spiritual realm, using it metaphorically to describe a profound spiritual insensitivity and an inability to truly hear or receive God's word. This is a form of **Figurative Language** that underscores spiritual blindness and obstinacy. The phrase "as your fathers did, so do ye" employs **Analogy** and **Historical Parallelism**, drawing a direct and damning comparison between the present audience and their rebellious ancestors, emphasizing a recurring pattern of disobedience throughout Israel's history. The verse also utilizes **Direct Address** and **Apostrophe**, as Stephen directly confronts his powerful accusers, delivering a highly confrontational and accusatory climax to his sermon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Stephen's indictment in Acts 7:51 encapsulates a profound theological truth about humanity's fallen nature and its persistent resistance to divine revelation. It highlights that true covenant relationship with God is not merely external or ritualistic (like physical circumcision) but requires an internal transformation of the heart and a willingness to hear and obey. The resistance to the Holy Spirit is presented as the ultimate act of rebellion, as the Spirit is the active agent of God's presence and truth in the world. This verse serves as a stark reminder that even those who are outwardly religious or hold positions of authority can be spiritually hardened and actively oppose God's will, particularly when it challenges their preconceived notions or power structures. It underscores the biblical emphasis on the condition of the heart as paramount to genuine faith and obedience.

* [Deuteronomy 10:16](/deuteronomy/10-16 "Deuteronomy 10:16 - Circumcise the Foreskin of Your Heart")
* [Jeremiah 4:4](/jeremiah/4-4 "Jeremiah 4:4 - Circumcise Yourselves to the Lord")
* [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision is of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Stephen's fiery words in Acts 7:51, though directed at a specific audience in a dramatic historical moment, carry timeless relevance for all who claim to follow God. The challenge to be "uncircumcised in heart and ears" prompts a deep self-examination: are we genuinely open to the Holy Spirit's leading, even when it confronts our comfort zones, challenges our traditions, or demands radical obedience? Spiritual stubbornness, like the "stiffnecked" ox, can manifest subtly in our lives through an unwillingness to forgive, a refusal to repent, or a resistance to new truths revealed in Scripture. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and spiritual sensitivity, actively listening for the Spirit's voice and yielding our wills to His transformative power. It reminds us that true faith is not merely intellectual assent or outward religious practice, but a dynamic, ongoing surrender of the heart and mind to God, allowing the Spirit to continually refine and guide us away from the pattern of historical rebellion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "stiffnecked," subtly resisting God's guidance or the promptings of the Holy Spirit?**
* **How might I be "uncircumcised in heart or ears," perhaps unknowingly closing myself off to uncomfortable truths or new revelations from God's Word?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more open, humble, and responsive heart to the Holy Spirit's work in my life, avoiding the patterns of past generations?**

### FAQ
**Why does Stephen use such harsh language, especially when on trial for his life?**

Answer: Stephen's language is indeed confrontational, but it is deeply rooted in the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament. Prophets frequently used strong, direct words to call Israel to repentance and expose their spiritual rebellion. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit ([Acts 7:55](/acts/7-55 "Acts 7:55 - Stephen Full of the Holy Spirit")), was not merely defending himself but delivering God's truth to a hardened audience. His words were a final, desperate plea and a prophetic indictment, mirroring the very resistance he accused them of. He understood the gravity of their rejection of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and his passion for God's truth outweighed any concern for his personal safety. His boldness highlights the conviction and courage that comes from being empowered by the [Holy Spirit](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit").

**What does "uncircumcised in heart and ears" mean in a spiritual sense?**

Answer: While physical circumcision was the outward sign of God's covenant with Israel, "uncircumcised in heart and ears" refers to a profound spiritual condition. It means that despite outward religious observance, a person's inner being—their mind, will, and affections (heart)—is closed off to God's truth, and their ability to hear and obey His word (ears) is impaired. It signifies a lack of spiritual responsiveness, an unwillingness to submit to God's will, and an inability to truly grasp divine revelation. This concept is found in the Old Testament, where prophets like Jeremiah called for a "circumcision of the heart" ([Jeremiah 4:4](/jeremiah/4-4 "Jeremiah 4:4 - Circumcise Yourselves to the Lord")) as a sign of true devotion and obedience to God, emphasizing that true covenant relationship is inward, not just outward.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Stephen's accusation in Acts 7:51, though delivered to the Jewish leaders of his day, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Holy Ghost" whom they resisted is the very Spirit of God who empowered Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, from His baptism ([Matthew 3:16](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16 - Jesus' Baptism")) to His resurrection ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus")). The persistent resistance to God's messengers, highlighted by Stephen, culminated in the ultimate rejection and crucifixion of God's Son, Jesus, the Messiah. He was the final and complete revelation of God, yet He was met with the same "stiffnecked" and "uncircumcised" hearts that had rejected prophets before Him, leading to His crucifixion outside the city gates ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). However, in Christ, the spiritual circumcision of the heart, which Stephen's audience so desperately lacked, is made possible. Through faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit performs this inward work, transforming rebellious hearts of stone into hearts of flesh ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and a New Spirit")), enabling them to truly hear and obey God's voice. Thus, while Acts 7:51 exposes humanity's chronic rebellion, it simultaneously points to the cross and resurrection as the only means by which this resistance can be overcome, offering new life and a Spirit-empowered responsiveness to God's truth, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant where God's law is written on the heart ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 10:16

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

Leviticus 26:41

And [that] I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

Isaiah 63:10

But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, [and] he fought against them.

Ephesians 4:30

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Jeremiah 4:4

Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench [it], because of the evil of your doings.

Exodus 32:9

And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:

Exodus 33:5

For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye [are] a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.